Tribune Online Sports Story

After 32 years, Norm Stewart announced that he was resigningas basketball coach of the University of Missouri. Stewart
made the announcement at mid-court at the Hearnes Center this
morning in front of family, friends and the media.

Yesterday, reports surfaced that Stewart and his lawyer, Steve
Owen, had met with Missouri Athletic Director Mike Alden about
buying out the remaining two years of Stewarts contract.
Neither Stewart or Owen had any comment yesterday, but this
morning Stewart said hes stepping down as head coach
because the time is right.

"The condition of the program is in great shape,"
Stewart said after a 30-second standing ovation. "We won the
North Division" of the Big 12 Conference. "We beat
everybody in our division, won a number of games and went to the
NCAA Tournament. I think the condition of the program is good.
The expectations are high right now and they should be."

In the press conference, Stewart was adamant that he was
stepping down because he wanted to and not because he was being
pushed out or was asked to resign. He just felt it was time to
leave.

Stewart is not leaving the program, however. With four years
remaining on his contract, Stewart will step into the role as
"Special Assistant to the Chancellor." In his new role,
he will continue to further the interests of the University by
seeking support for its programs  especially athletic
facilities projects.

In October of 1996, Stewart signed a contract that extended
his coaching duties through 2001 and his tenure with the
University until 2003. Stewart will now use his talents that made
him one of the most successful coaches in college basketball
history and use them to help the entire University. Missouri
Chancellor Richard Wallace is happy that Stewart is staying
around.

"When you talk about the University of Missouri and the
things that embody this institution one of the things that I look
at are "The Columns", which symbolize quality,
endurance and strength," Wallace said. " "The
Columns are a symbol of Missouri and anytime Ive watch Norm
coach I saw he embodied the same things, quality, endurance and
strength.

"Norm never lost touch with his Missouri roots. He served
with respect and dignity. Hes been loyal to this program
for 32 years."

At the press conference, Stewart thanked his wife, family,
players, friends, coaches and administrators that he worked with
in his 32 years at Missouri. He talked openly about all the good
times he had as Missouris. He talked about the players that
have gone on to be successes not only in the NBA but in life as
doctors, and lawyers and insurance salesmen. He also talked how
great the group of current players are and how good they can be.

"I know this group is great," Stewart said.
"They will continue to get better all the time."

Most of the team attended the press conference, but noticeably
absent were freshmen Keyon Dooling and Clarence Gilbert. But
Stewart said that he told all of his players to go to class and
thats why Dooling and Gilbert werent in attendance.

"What did I tell you guys to do?," Stewart asked his
players, and to a man they all responded, Go to
class.

Its class and wins that Stewart will be most remembered
by In his 32 seasons, Stewart complied a 731-375 record and led
Missouri to 16 NCAA Tournaments. But Stewarts teams never
advanced farther than the Elite Eight.

Stewarts 731 wins rank him seventh all-time. He coached
more games (967) than any coach in Missouri history. Overall,
Stewart coach 1,106 NCAA games which ranks him seventh all-time.

But with Stewarts departure, the speculation now turns
to who will be the next Missouri coach. Missouri Athletic
Director Mike Alden said the search would begin right away.

"Its not a short list," Alden said.
"Were taking a look at coaches all over the country.
Theres a lot of names out there."

Aldens explanation

Missouri athletic director Mike Alden didnt look like
the man who had just brought down Goliath, He didnt act
like it either.

To hear Alden, the three-week time table when Missouris
legendary basketball Norm Stewart decided to end one of college
basketballs most prolific careers to join the ranks of the
retired, parties from Stewarts camp and the university were
working together.

"This had to be a mutual agreement," Alden said.
"When Norm said he thought he still had something to offer ,
but he wanted to step down as head coach. We are glad that
hes still able to help us."

Although rumors circulated throughout the state have centered
on behind the scenes schemes and plans, Alden would bite on none
of them. He said the last few days were spent mostly talking
about Stewarts role in the future.

But that wont change the perception that Stewart was
forced out before his time.

Alden said the issue first surfaced on March 15 when Stewart
surprised him with the idea that he might want to step down as
coach. Alden, who had been a champion of Stewarts reign on
the program, was stunned.

"I expected him to come back and say he would be back. I
thought he might come out here today and say April
Fools," Alden said.

Fox Sports reported that St. Louis Rams owner Stan Kroenke of
Columbia had orchestrated a buyout of Stewarts final years
of the contract. Kroenke, whose son Josh is being recruited by
Missouri, is a former basketball player who has been a fan of
Stewart and the job hes done with the program. Kroenke was
en route to an all-star basketball game and unavailable.